Power problems the big issue now with the snow storm

Utility lines are being reported down due to the heavy snow that’s coming through mid-Missouri.

Spokespersons for the various utility companies say they have crews working as fast as they can to make repairs.

Ameren Missouri's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) opened at 11:30 a.m. today to provide restoration support to parts of the company’s mid-Missouri service territory.

Communities that have been most impacted are: Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks, Boonville, Moberly, Brookfield and Excelsior Springs. Currently, approximately 13,000 Ameren Missouri customers are without power – the most are located in the mid-Missouri area.

Ameren Missouri began providing restoration support earlier Tuesday by sending crews from its Boone Trails District, which is located in Wentzville and St. Charles to the central part of the state. A total of 250 linemen and tree trimmers will be deployed to the impacted communities today.

As the storm passes, Ameren Missouri reminds customers that safety is the first and foremost concern. The most important safety rule is to stay clear of downed power lines and always call Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583 or 911 if you see downed lines.

Around 4500 customers with Three Rivers Electric Cooperative were out. Most of those were south of Jefferson City.

Company officials said they were calling some crews from other coops to help. At any one time, they have over 60 separate outages.

Some of these outages will be lengthy so customers should plan accordingly, company officials added.

As of 11:55 a.m., the National Weather Service continued to have mid-Missouri under a winter storm warning until 6 p.m., but the heaviest of the snow was believed to be past our area, leaving only occasional snow showers in the forecast.

Total snow accumulations were expected to be between 5-8 inches in the Jefferson City area.

There is a 50% chance of snow showers Wednesday, but the snow should be out of the area by Wednesday night.